Strip forming apparatus



Sept. 11, 1945. c. NO'RTON STRIP FORMING APPARATUS Filed May 9 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 11, 1945. c. NORTON 24,334,435

STRIP FORMING APPARATUS Filed May 9, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Y L-ilLJ I, l /-k 4-5 INVENTOR.

11% 113/ 125 BY: CaJoam %ZZZ7U 111 @;(%0w/0Zs0/fl Sept. 11, 1945. c. NORTON STRIP FORMING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 9 1942 a7 Patented Sept. 11, 1945 STRIP FORMING APPARATUS Calhoun Norton, Chicago, 111., assignor to Arcns Controls, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application May 9,1942, Serial No. 442,347

23 Claims.

This invention relates to strip forming apparatus, such for example as wire coiling machines and the like, and concerns particularly new and improved control mechanisms for such apparatus.

It is an object of the invention to provide strip forming apparatus of improved construction and operating characteristics, and particularly to provide new and improved control mechanisms for controlling the operation of the machine.

More specifically stated, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide in a metal strip forming machine or the like, improved cut-off means for severing the metal strip after a predetermined length thereof has-been formed into the desired shape, which cut-off means are particularly adapted for use in a machine of the type having a traveling carriage movable longitudinally of the work during the forming operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a strip forming machine, particularly of the 1 type stated, means for automatically severing the strip in the event that the strip feeding means becomes jammed or otherwise exceeds a predetermined tension, whereby to preclude damage to the operating parts.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in a strip forming machine of the traveling carriage type, means for automatically returning th carriage at the end of a forming operation, such means automatically cooperating with the strip-severing or cut-off means, in the machine cycle.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will appear from the following specification when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein one preferred embodiment of the invention is set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. l is a general perspective view of a strip forming apparatus, specifically a wire coiling machine, constructed in accordance with and embodying the principles of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view through the machine on the line 2-2 of Fig. 5, particularly illustrating the head frame structure and associated parts;

Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view, illustrating the type of work adapted to be performed by the machine;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the head frame structure;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the head frame;

Fig. 6 is a detail view of the traveling carriage structure, more particularly illustrating the action of the strip cut-off or severing means;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig, 6, but illustrating the position of the parts after the operation of the cut-off means;

Fig. 8 is a view, also similar to Fig. 6, but illustrating the action of the carriage when the strip feeding means jams or otherwise exceeds a predetermined tension;-

Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view more par ticularly' showing parts of the carriage structure; and

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view of the carriage, on the line lib-I 0 of Fig. 9.

In the drawings the invention has been illustrated as applied to a machine for coiling wire or the like about an elongated mandrel, whereby to form an elongated convoluted orcoiled wire structure of predetermined size; and certain features of the invention are particularly adapted to machines of this type. It is to be understood, however, that the invention in other of its fea-- tures and aspects is adapted to other types of machines, including other types of metal strip forming apparatus.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, and first to Fig. 1 thereof, the machine illustrated comprises in general a head frame l0 and an end frame II in spaced relation, and cooperatively supporting the mandrels and trolley wires along which the forming carriages are adapted to be translated during the operation of the machine. In the particular embodiment illustrated there are four forming carriages as indicated at 12, I3, 14 and I5. The trolley wires respectively cooperating with these four. carriages are illustrated at [6, IT, IS and I9, and the mandrels respectively cooperating with the carriages are shown at 20, 2|, 22 and 23.

During machine operation the mandrels are rotatably driven, by means later to be described, whereas the trolleys are stationary, forming a longitudinal track structure for the traveling forming. carriages. It is to be understood that the distance between the head and end frames is determined by the desired length of wire coil to be formed at each machine cycle, and may in a particular embodiment be a distance of a hundred feet or more. The head and end frames are suitably anchored, and remain relatively fixed at all times during the operation of the machine. The end, frame comprises a series of supporting uprights 25, suitably cross-braced as indicated at 2B, and carrying a pair of end plates 21 and 28 to which the mandrels and trolleywires are anchored.

Referring to Figs. 2, 4 and 5, it will be seen that the head frame it! comprises a housing of generally rectangular shape having a top wall 39, side walls 3| and 32 and end walls 33 and 34, suitably demountable to permit of access to the inside of the housing. Internally of the housing there is provided a suitable prime mover, such as an electric motor 35. adapted to drive a main drive shaft 36 by means of a vertically disposed belt 31. A pair-of substantially horizontally disposed belts 38 and 39 connect the'drive shaft 36 g to stub shafts 40 and 4| associated, respectively,

with the lower mandrels 22 and 23. A pair of vertical belts 42 and 43 in turn connect the stub shafts 40 and 4|, associated with the lower mandrels, to stub shafts 44 and 45 associated with the upper mandrels, the arrangement 'being' such that as the prime mover or motor 35 is operated, stub shafts 40, 4|, 44 and 45 associated arm 14, as indicated at 8|, the lower end of the with the four mandrels will be-rotatably driven at substantially constant speed.

Clutches are provided for selectively ing each of the mandrelsto its respective stub shaft for driving operation. The arrangement for each of the mandrels is the same, and a description of one will suffice for all. Thus, referring to the mandrel 23, there is provided a chuck 50 adapted to releasably grip the end of the mandrel 23, the chuck being carried by a chuck shaft adapted to be selectively clutched to the stub shaft 4| by means of a clutch 52. The clutch, which may be of any suitable design, is manually operable by means of a manual control handle 53. Referring to Fig. 1, the opposite end of the mandrel is connected to a chuck 54 fixed to a shaft freely rotatable within the plate 28. It will accordingly be seen that by manipulation of the-handle 53 the mandrel 23 may be relatively connected to or disconnected from the constantly rotating stub shaft 4|, the starting or stopping of the mandrel thus being under selective control at all times. The chucks 50 and 54 are releasable, whereby the mandrel 23 may be released to permit removal of the work. The four control handles for the four mandrel clutches are indicated at 53, 55, 56 and 51 in Fig. 2. As shown, the control handles are in convenient juxtaposition to their respective mandrels, but obviously theymay be extended to a single control panel, if desired, in any particular installation.

The four supply reels or drums for feeding the metal strip or wire to the traveling carriages are illustrated at 60, 6|, 62 and 63. The reel 63 supplies the wire or metal strip,.as indicated at 64, to the carriage |5 associated with the mandrel 23, through the intermediary of guide rollers 65 and 66, Fig. 5, suitably journaled 0n the head frame. Similarly, the reel 62 feeds its wire 54 to the carriage 3 associated with the mandrel 2| by means of guide rollers 68 and 69. Similarprovisions are made for guiding the wires from the reels 6!) and 6! arranged on the opposite side of the head frame. Normally the reels are freely rotatable so that the wire or metal strip may be freely drawn therefrom by movement of the traveling carriages.

The detailed structure of the carriages is best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 6-10, the structure of each of the carriages beingthe same. As shown, each carriage, such as the carriage l5, comprises a main frame having a vertically disposed portion and a horizontal portion H. The horizontal portion is provided'with U-shaped brackets 12 and 13 at each end thereof adapted to loosely embrace the trolley wire l9, whereby the carriage frame is freely translatable longitudinally of the trolley. The vertical frame portion 10 is provided at its lower extremity with an arm 74, the forward end 75 of which is formed as one jaw of a wire cut-off or severing means. A lever 16 is pivoted to the arm 74 as indicated at clutch lever being formed with a notch or cut-out 82 adapted to be engaged with a pin 83 carried by the rear end of the lever 16. A tension spring 84, connected at one end to the lever 16 and at its other end to the frame portion 10 of the carriage, normally urges the lever 16 counterclockwise about its pivot 11, as shown in Fig. 6. When the parts are in the position illustrated in Fig. 6, with the notch 82 of the lever in engagement with the pin 83 of the cut-off lever 16, the spring is constrained from operation, lever 85 thus acting as a latch lever for the cut-off means. The upper end of the lever 86 is reversely bent as indicated at 85, said end portion being adapted to loosely overlie the trolley wire. A release abutment 86 longitudinally adjustable on the trolley wire by means of a screw 81, is adapted for cooperation with the end of the latch lever, and upon engagement with the lever releases the same to permit the operation of the cutting means.

The vertical frame portion 70 of the carriage is also provided with a bracket 90 carrying a plate Bi at its end upon which a pair of retention or holding" jaws 92 and 93 are pivotally mounted. These jaws are urged into gripping engagement with the wire 64 by a pair of compression springs 34 and 95. The jaws 82 and 93 in effect constitute a one-way clutch or holding non-return device. the jaws permitting the free passage of the wire 64 to the right, as indicated in Fig. 6, but the jaws at all times being immediately operable to prevent retraction of the wire to the left. The plate 9| is further provided with guide pins as indicated at 96 and 97, to guide the wire through the retention jaws.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, it will be seen that the carriage frame member 10 is further provided with a series of calibrating pins ")6 around which the wire is drawn on its way to the forming station. These pins drag the wire slightly, and byuse of a suitable number of them in the proper pattern, the tension of the wire at the forming station may be controlled to accurately size the formed wire coil.

The upper end of the frame portion 18 is provided with a cut-away section |6| providing a longitudinally grooved ledge Hi2 upon which the coiled wire is adapted to lay. A tapered slot I03 leads from the uppermost calibrating pin I06 to the ledge I62. The member If! is further provided with an opening through which the mandrel wire 23 is adapted to loosely pass, a guide sleeve 84 being press-fitted into this opening and adapted to loosely engage the mandrel to further guide the translatable carriage in its movements.

In operation, assuming the forming carriage l5 to be adjacent the head frame, and the mandrel wire stationary, the operator threads the wire 64 to be formed between the guide pins 96 and 91 and the holding jaws 92 and 93 of the carriage plate 9|, through the opening 19 of the cut-off jaw 18, around the calibrating pins H19 in the proper pattern, and through the slot I03 onto the forming ledge I02 of the carriage, the end of the wire further beinganchored in suitable manner, as by being introduced into an opening I06 in the mandrel chuck 50'. As the clutch control handle 53- is now operated, and. the mandrel set into rotation, the wirewill be drawn from the supply reel 63, through the various guiding devices, and onto the forming platform or ledge I62 of the carriage, and wrapped around the mandrel 23; ina manner best indicated in Fig. 3. As the wire is drawn to the coiling station, the formed coil is calibrated to proper size by the calibrating pins Hi6; As the coiling progresses, and the wire 64 is progressively coiled around the mandrel 23, the carriage I will be automatically translated bythe wire as it is coiled, to the right as seen in Figs. 1 and 6, along the trolley wire I9. The operation automatically progresses until the carriage reaches the release or tripping device 86 secured at an appropriate position on the trolley wire I9. At this time the upper, end of the latch lever 86 is engaged, causing the lever to be pivoted counterclockwise around the pivot 8i, releasing the cutting lever I6, and permitting the spring 84 to operate to automatically cut the wire or metal strip 64. Continued rotation of the mandrel 2'3 draws the now severed trailing end of the wire 64 completely upwardly and around the mandrel, after which further translation of the forming carriage automatically ceases. Immediately as the cut-off or severing means operates, the holding-jaws 92- and 93 become effective to prevent retraction of the leading end 64 of the wire from the carriage. Upon manipulation of the control handle 53, rotation of the mandrel 23 may now be arrested, the end of the mandrel and the wire 64 removed from the chuck 50, and the completely coiled wire drawn from the mandrel onto a suitable storage reel or the like. Fig. 6 shows the action of the carriage during the coiling operation, and Fig. '7 shows the position of the parts after the severing of the wire 64, duringthe completion of the coiling operation. The structure is simple and adaptable to use in a variety of applications, and rugged in operation.

A particular feature of the structure is the arrangement whereby if the wire 64 or other metal strip beingformed or fabricated should foul upon a the supply reel 63, orotherwise require more than a predetermined tension to draw it onto the mandrel, the strip cut-off means will immediately and automatically operate to sever the strip. This action is best illustrated in- Fig. 8. It will be seen that as excessive tension beyond a predetermined amount is applied in drawing the wire 64 from its supply means, the carriage I5 willv tend to rotate slightly clockwise, into the position illustrated. This movement is limited by the trolley I9, but will be suflicient to cam the latch. lever 8 counterclockwise with respect to the carriage frame III- H, thereby causing operation of the strip severing means in the same manner. as when initiated by the tripping or release abutment 86. The operation is automatic and immediate acting, whereby to prevent mandrel breaking or other operating difficulties. It is to be understood that the rotation of the mandrel is at high speed. The rapid operation of the severing means, the action of which is directly dependent upon the tension applied to the wire 64, prevents mandrel breakage even under such high speed operation.

It is to be understood that each of the traveling forming carriages I2, I3, I4 and. I5 is of similar construction, operating in a manner hereinbefore set forth in reference to the carriage I5.

While the supply reels 61-, 6'2 and 63' are normally freely rotatable, as hereinbefore stated,

means is provided selectively operable under the control of the operator to applya power operation to the reels in a reverse direction, whereby to automatically return the traveling carriages to an initial position. Such means is best illustrated in Figs. 2, 4 and 5.

A prime mover I IIl-is-p'rovided in the lower portion of the head frame housing, which motor is adapted, by means of a pair of belts III and I I2, to drive stub shafts H3 and H4 located on either side of the head frame structure. The stub shaft I I3 is adapted to be connected selectively with end shafts H5 and shy means of suitable clutches as indicated at I I! and H8, whereas the stub shaft I'I4 similarlymaybeconnectedtoend shafts H9 and I26 by means of clutches I2I and I22. Referring, for example, toend shaft I I6, thisshaft is provided with a bevel gear I25 meshing with a bevel gear I26= connected to the support I21 for the reel 63. The arrangement is such that as the clutch H8 is operated to connect the end shaft Hi; to the stub shaft 3, the wire reel or drum 63 will be reversely rotated at a relatively slow speed. Similar bevel gear connections are provided for connecting the end shafts H5, H9 and I26, respectively, with the supply reels 62', BI and 60.

Referring further to clutch II8, the means for operating said clutch comprises an abutment member I 36-longitudinally slidable within support brackets HI and I32, and connected to the clutch I I8 by suitable link connections. A manual control handle I33 is arranged for shifting the abutment member, and the abutment member is also adapted for automatic shifting in a manner presently to be described. The outer end of the abutment member is provided with a laterally extending portion I34 having an opening through which the wire 64 is adapted to be loosely passed.

Similar means is provided for operating the clutch I". As illustrated in Fig. 5, such means comprises a longitudinally shiftable abutment member I36 associated with a manual. control handle I31, and adapted to be connected by suitable linkage to the clutch I I1. As in the case of the abutment member I30. abutment member I36 is provided with a laterally turned extension I38 through which the wire strip 64 is adapted to be passed. The means for operating clutches IZI and I22 is similar to that described in reference to clutches II! and II 8, but on the opposite side of the structure.

As has been previously brought out, upon the operation of the strip severing means of the carriages, either at the end of the ceiling operation, or in the event of fouling of the wire upon its supply drum, the holding jaws, such as indicated at 92 and 93 in Fig. 6, immediately become operative to retain the severed end. of the wire 64 in association with the carriage. Accordingly, the carriages may be returned, to initial position, to the left as seen in Fig. 1, merely by the application of reverse rotation to the supply reels, by the selective manipulation of the clutches H1, H8, IZI or I22. For example, referring to clutch II8, a shifting of the abutment member I30 to the right causes the closing of the clutch and the reverse rotation of the supply reel 63. As the carriage I5 reaches home position, its plate 9| engages the end I34 of the abutment member I 30,,shifting the abutment member to the left and automatically opening the clutch. Inasmuch as the wire 64 passes through the lateral extension I34 of the abutment member, the engagement of the plate 91 therewith is insured.

The action in the case of each of the carriages is similar. It will thus be seen that means is provided for readily returning the carriages to initial position, such return means incorporating automatic provisions for disabling its operation as the carriages reach the home station.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiment of the invention set forth for purposes of illustration, without departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiment shown and described, but only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows? 1. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising means for forming a metal strip into an extended series of concentric convolutions, said means including a member bodily shiftable axially of said convolutions by the strip as it is coiled during the forming operation, and cutter means shiftable with said member and automatically operable as said member reaches a predetermined shifted position for disabling the effectiveness of said forming means by severing the strip. 7

2. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated rotatable mandrel, means for rotatably mounting the mandrel in a fixed frame, means for forming ametal strip around the mandrel in an extended series of convolutions extending helically of the mandrel, said means including a member bodily shiftable axially of the mandrel by the strip as it is coiled during the forming operation, and cut-ofl means engageable with the strip slightly in advance of the forming station automatically operable as the member reaches a predetermined position longitudinally of the mandrel for severing said strip.

3. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around the mandrel into aseries of convolutions extending helically of the mandrel, said forming means comprising a carriage shiftable axially of the mandrel during the forming operation, cutting means carried by the carriage along which the strip is adapted to pass, and an abutment arranged at a predetermined position longitudinally of the mandrel, said abutment being adapted to-engage said cutting means for operating the cutting means as the carriage reaches a predetermined position. I

4. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around said mandrel in an extended series of helical convolutions, said forming means comprising a carriage bodily shiftable along the mandrel during the forming operation, cutting means carried by the carriage along which the strip is adapted to pass, latch means for normally holding the cutting means from operation, and a release abutment disposed at a predetermined position along the mandrel, said abutment being adapted to engage the latch means as the carriage reaches a predetermined position Whereby to release the cutting means for operation.

5. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated mandrel, an elongated guide track disposed in parallel relation to the mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around the mandrel in a series of helical convolutions, said forming means including a carriagebodily shiftable along said mandrel and said guide track during the forming operation, cutting means carried by the carriage along which the metal strip is adapted to be passed, a spring for operating the cutting means, a latch for normally restraining the spring from operation, and means for releasing said latch whereby to effect the operation of said cutting means.

6. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising means for forming a. metal strip into an extended series of coaxial convolutions, feeding means for feeding the metal strip to the forming means, and means comprising a control member automatically shifted to disable the effectiveness of said forming means when the tension required to transmit the strip to the forming means exceeds a predetermined amount.

7. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising means for forming a metal strip into an extended series of coaxial convolutions, said forming means comprising a member bodily shiftable axially of said convolutions during the forming operation, feeding means for feeding the strip to said member, cut-off means automatically operable for severing said strip, and means controlled by the tension of the strip in its transmission to said member for operating said cut-off means.

8. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising a mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around said mandrel into an extended series of helical convolutions, said forming means including a member shiftable longitudinally of said mandrel during the forming operation, feeding means for feeding the strip to said member, cutting means carried by the member along which the strip is adapted to be passed, and means for automatically operating the cutting means in accordance with the tension required to feed the strip to said member from the feeding means.

9. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around said-mandrel into an extended series of convolutions, said forming means including a carriage longitudinally shiftable of the mandrel during the forming operation, means for feeding the metal strip to said carriage, cutting means carried by the carriage, a spring for operating the cutting means, a latch for normally retaining the spring from operation, and means controlled by the tension in the metal strip in its passage to the carriage for operating said latch.

10. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising means for forming a metal strip into an extended series of coaxial convolutions, means comprising a shiftable control member automatically shiftable for disabling the effectiveness of said forming means after a predetermined number of convolutions have been formed, and means for disabling the effectiveness of said forming means comprising a control member shiftably controlled by the tension in the strip during the forming operation whereby the forming means may be automatically disabled in the event the tension in the strip exceeds a predetermined amount.

11. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising means for forming a metal strip into an extended series of coaxial convolutions, said means including a member movable axially of said convolutions during the forming operation, cut-off means operable to automatically sever the strip when said member reaches a predetermined position, and cut-off means automatically operable for severing the strip when the tension in the strip exceeds a predetermined maximum.

12. A metal strip forming apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein both of said cut-off means include common strip severing elements.

13. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising a mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around said mandrel into an extended series of coaxial convolutions, said forming means including a carriage shiftable by the strip as it is coiled from an initial position longitudinally of the mandrel during the forming operation, power means for reversely operating said carriage toward said initial position, and control means for selectively operating said power means.

14. A strip forming apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein means is provided for automatically disabling said power means as the carriage is returned to initial position.

15. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated mandrel, means for forming said strip around said mandrel in an extended series of convolutions extending helically on the mandrel, said means including a carriage bodily shiftable from an initial position axially of the mandrel during the forming operation, cut-01f means carried by the carriage along which the strip is adapted to pass and for severing said strip, and holding means comprising a non-return gripping device for holding the strip end on the carriage after the operation of said cut-off means.

16. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated mandrel, means for forming said strip around said mandrel in an extended series of convolutions extending helically on the mandrel, said means including a carriage bodily shiftable from an initial position axially of the mandrel during the forming operation, cut-ofi means carried by the carriage along which the strip is adapted to pass and for severing said strip, holding means comprising a non-return gripping device for holding the strip end on the carriage after the operation of said cut-oil means, and power means for pulling on said strip while it is engaged by the holding means whereby to restore the carriage toward initial position.

17. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated mandrel, an elongated trolley disposed in parallel relation to the mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around the mandrel in a series of helical convolutions, said around said mandrel into an extended series of coaxial convolutions, said forming means includ ing a carriage shiftable by the strip as it is coiled from an initial position longitudinally of the mandrel during the forming operation, and means adapted to pull said strip for reversely operating said carriage along said mandrel toward its initial position.

19. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising an elongated mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around said mandrel into an extended series of helical convolutions, said forming means including a member shiftable longitudinally of the mandrel during the forming operation, feeding means for feeding the metal strip to said member, and means comprising a control member automatically shifted to disable the effectiveness of said forming means when the tension required to transmit the strip to said member exceeds a predetermined amount.

20. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising means for forming a metal strip into an extended series of coaxial convolutions, feeding means for feeding the metal strip to the forming means, means for severing the strip, and means comprising a control member automatically shifted to operate the severing means and thereby disable the eifectiveness of said forming means when the tension required to transmit the strip to the forming means exceeds a predetermined amount.

21. A metal strip forming apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said means for disabling the effectiveness of the forming means after a predetermined number of convolutions have been formed comprises means for severing the strip.

22. A metal strip forming apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said means for disabling the effectiveness of the forming means controlled by the tension in the strip comprises means for severing the strip.

23. A metal strip forming apparatus comprising a mandrel, means for forming a metal strip around said mandrel into an extended series of coaxial convolutions, said forming means in-- cluding a carriage shiftable by the strip as it is coiled from an initial position longitudinally of the mandrel during the forming operation, cutoff means automatically operable as the carriage reaches a predetermined position longitudinally of the mandrel for severing said strip, power means for reversely operating said carriage toward said initial position, and control means for selectively controlling said power means.

CALHOUN NORTON. 

